Short answer
After hail, stay off the roof and document it from the ground. Photograph the hailstones next to a coin, and the dents on the gutters, downspouts, AC unit and window screens, with the date. Check the attic and the ceilings for leaks. Report it to your insurer and write down the claim number. Have a local roofer inspect the roof and, if you can, be there when the adjuster comes.
Safety first
Wait until the storm is over before you go outside. Stay off the roof: hail-damaged shingles can be slick and loose. Do not let anyone pressure you into climbing up to look.
Hail damage: how to make a roof insurance claim
1Hail pounds the roof
Hail can bruise and crack shingles and knock off their granules. The damage is often hard to see from the street.
Read all the steps
- Hail pounds the roof. Hail can bruise and crack shingles and knock off their granules. The damage is often hard to see from the street.
- Photograph the hail next to a coin. Once it stops, put a few hailstones next to a coin or a ruler and take a photo. It shows the size and the date.
- Look for dents from the ground. Dents on the gutters, the downspouts, the AC unit, the mailbox or the car show how hard it hit. Photograph each one.
- Report it and save the claim number. Call your insurer or use their app. Write down the claim number and the name of everyone you talk to.
- A roofer inspects before the adjuster. A local roofer marks the hits and can meet the adjuster at your home. You get a written report with photos.
- Ready for the adjuster? Get a roofer to inspect Especially if: hail was big enough to dent the gutters, the car or the AC unit.
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Keep a claim file
- The date and time of the storm, and a local news or weather report that mentions the hail.
- Your photos and videos, the claim number and notes from every call.
- Receipts for tarps and any emergency repair.
- The roofer’s inspection report and estimate, and the adjuster’s report.
If the claim comes back low or denied
Ask the insurer for the adjuster’s report in writing and what it covers. Your roofer can point out damage that was missed, and you can ask for a second inspection. Policies have deadlines to report damage and to dispute a decision, so check yours.
What not to do
- Do not sign a contract with a crew that knocks after the storm before your insurer has seen the damage.
- Do not accept an offer to "cover" your deductible: in many states that is illegal, and it can put your claim at risk.
- Do not wait months: small hail bruises can start leaking later and become harder to tie to the storm.
When to call a roofer
- Hail was big enough to dent the gutters, the car or the AC unit.
- Water stains or drips appear after the storm.
- Neighbors are getting their roofs inspected or replaced.
- Your insurer asks for a roofer’s estimate.
Frequently asked questions
What does hail damage look like on a roof?
Round dark spots where the granules were knocked off, soft bruises, and cracked or split shingles. From the ground, dents on the gutters, vents and the AC unit are the easiest clues.
How long do I have to file a hail damage claim?
It depends on your policy and your state. Report it soon, while the damage is fresh and easy to tie to the storm.
Should I get a roofer before the adjuster comes?
It helps. A local roofer can document the damage and meet the adjuster so nothing is missed. Choose one with a local address and good reviews, not one who just knocked on your door.
What if my hail claim is denied?
Ask for the decision and the adjuster’s report in writing. You can ask for a second inspection, send your roofer’s report and photos, or hire a public adjuster.
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage?
Most homeowners policies cover hail damage, minus your deductible. Some have a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of the home’s insured value, so check yours.
Can I wait to fix hail damage?
Not for long. Bruised shingles can start leaking months later, and claims have deadlines. Get it inspected soon, even if nothing leaks.